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Revered Anna’s Birth Anniversary Celebrations

The Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva institutions at Alike and Muddenahalli were founded by Rev. Sri Madiyal Narayana Bhat. Fondly called as Anna, Sri Madiyal Narayana Bhat was a multifaceted personality, who led an exemplary life. Driven by patriotism for his motherland, he envisaged an India that had regained its lost glory and heritage of values and culture. He was also an inspiring leader, an excellent orator, writer, poet, spiritual aspirant and above all a compassionate human being.

In order to commemorate the 90th Birth Anniversary of Rev. Anna, a special Satsang was held on the 30th of November at Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli. Devotees had gathered at the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham awaiting the Lord’s arrival. Bhagawan arrived at the venue at around 6.30 PM and was received with the ceremonial Poornakumbham, Vedic chants along with the Nadaswaram being played. Melodious bhajans were in full swing as Bhagawan walked down the aisle blessing all the students and devotees seated, accepting letters and speaking to some others.

Once Bhagawan ascended the dais, the evening’s programme began with the invocation by the students of the Sri Sathya Sai Prashanthi Nikethanam, Chikkaballapur campus, who chanted the Durva Suktam and Nila Suktam. Thereafter, Sri GB Rajashekhar, Warden, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Kendra CBSE section, expressed his gratitude to Rev. Anna who was the reason that thousands of students across various campuses in Karnataka are receiving values-based free education to this day.

This was followed by short talks by two students. Kumari Vandana, who is pursuing her second year PUC at the Sri Sathya Sai Prashanthi Nikethanam, Chikkaballapur campus was the first speaker. She began her talk by describing how Late Sri Madiyal Narayan Bhat was transformed by a mere glimpse of Bhagawan. On Bhagawan’s command, she also narrated her own story of transformation on becoming a Sai student.

The next speaker was Sri Akhilesh, a second-year student at the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Pre- University college, Muddenahalli. Delivering his talk in Kannada, Akhilesh spoke on the three personalities who influenced him namely – Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sri Madiyal Narayana Bhat and Swami Vivekananda. He concluded his talk by narrating a story on how important it was for one to empathise with the sufferings of another and pray for their well-being.

Following this, Bhagawan graciously released a book titled- ‘Na Kandante Anna’ written by Kumari Madiyal Devaki Bhat, sister of Late Sri Madiyal Narayana Bhat. The book captures the sweet memories that she shared with her brother and how he guided her along with other Tyagajeevis onto the path of spirituality, leading them to Swami. The book is edited by Smt. Chaaya Murthy and Sri Ananthamurthy and published by Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutha Prakashana.

Dr AR Manjunath, Director of the Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Human Excellence, addressed the gathering next. Having spent three of his youthful years in close proximity with Anna, he spoke extensively on the charismatic personality of Madiyal Narayana Bhat and how deeply he was influenced by him. On realising the underlying problems of poverty and illiteracy that ailed the country, Anna created a band of dedicated workers who would then carry forth his mission of education and thereby transformation of the youth who were the real nation-builders, he said. Despite meeting scores of people in the course of his life, Dr Manjunath confessed that he had never come across anybody like Anna. He then concluded his talk by stating that the mission of Bhagawan was now unfolding in the most meticulous manner according to His Master plan with the right instruments to execute it.

The last speaker for the day was Sri B Narayana Rao, Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Institutions. As one of the Founding Four members of the institution, it was Sri Narayana Rao who first introduced Anna to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He then fondly recalled his friendship with Anna dating back to their school and college days that stood the test of time as well as the adversities they faced. Describing how noble-hearted and kind Anna was, he narrated instances of his compassion to fellow beings. He then went on to narrate how graciously Bhagawan stepped in to fill the void of Anna’s demise, instilling courage in all the Tyagajeevis to carry forth the mission. Baba in the year 1977 took upon the reins of the Loka Seva institutions thereby fulfilling Anna’s desire and even to this day. Bhagawan, he added, was continuing to realise Anna’s dream of educational institutions in every district of the state.

Following this, a video titled ‘Education for Transformation’ was screened.

Bhagawan then delivered His divine discourse.

After the discourse, the Dhyeya Vakya written by Rev Anna was then read in Kannada with all students and staff following in.

Aarthi was offered to Bhagawan and prasadam was distributed to everybody.

On Swami’s command, Sri RK Subramanya, Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Trust, announced that in memory of Late Sri Madiyal Narayana Bhat, a new building for all the senior Tyaagjeevis named Prema Sadana will be inaugurated on the same day next year. It will be ready with all facilities and amenities required for their comfortable stay.